Xinyue Shen, Chaobin Qin, Zhixiang Wang+5 more · 2025 · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · added 2026-04-24
The content and composition of milk fat are critical determinants influencing milk flavor, nutritional value, and economic significance. Buffalo milk is characterized by its high-fat content and compl Show more
The content and composition of milk fat are critical determinants influencing milk flavor, nutritional value, and economic significance. Buffalo milk is characterized by its high-fat content and complex lipid profile, characterized by elevated levels of health-beneficial fatty acids such as linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms governing milk fat synthesis in buffaloes remain incompletely elucidated. This study employed transcriptomic analysis of milk fat globules (MFGs) from buffaloes exhibiting high and low milk fat content, identifying 15 949 annotated genes, including 234 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were predominantly associated with cell proliferation and differentiation, glyconeogenesis, and reproductive system development. Notably, the expression of IGFBP4, AGPAT4, GPAT3, GPR84, and PC exhibited positive correlations with buffalo milk fat content, identifying them as potential candidate genes regulating milk fat synthesis. Proteomic profiling identified 1678 proteins, including 53 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Enrichment analysis indicated that DEPs were primarily involved in nucleotide metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and TGF-β signaling. Integrated analysis revealed potential interactions involving the IGFBP4 and PC genes, as well as the ACO1, TMED7, and APRT proteins, highlighting IGFBP4 as a pivotal regulator of milk fat synthesis. Functional validation demonstrated that overexpression or knockdown of IGFBP4 in buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) significantly modulated cell proliferation and altered the expression of key milk fat synthesis-related genes (FABP3, LPL, SCD, ACACA, and FASN), indicating that IGFBP4 can promote de novo fatty acid synthesis and intracellular lipid storage while inhibiting exogenous fatty acid uptake. Collectively, this study provides novel mechanistic insights into the regulation of milk fat synthesis in buffaloes and establishes a foundation for enhancing lactation traits through targeted genetic breeding strategies. Show less
Hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary (HCO) is a highly uncommon and aggressive neoplasm originating from the surface epithelial cells of the ovary, characterized by hepatocyte-like differentiation. To date Show more
Hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary (HCO) is a highly uncommon and aggressive neoplasm originating from the surface epithelial cells of the ovary, characterized by hepatocyte-like differentiation. To date, most information on HCO is derived from case reports, with fewer than 50 documented cases globally. In this case report, we present a detailed account of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of a patient diagnosed as having bilateral HCO, which is even rarer. Targeted next-generation sequencing revealed somatic mutations in PIK3C3 and TP53, with no BRCA1/2 alterations, and a molecular profile consistent with microsatellite stability and low tumor mutational burden. We also review the current literature to situate our findings within the broader context of existing knowledge. Given the rarity of bilateral HCO, our objective is to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive description of its clinical features, molecular characteristics, and treatment strategies. This effort may enhance understanding of this rare malignancy and offer insights to improve patient outcomes in clinical practice. Show less
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently accompanied with metabolic dysfunctions, yet the causal relationships between metabolic factors and PCOS remain to be conclusively established and etiolo Show more
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently accompanied with metabolic dysfunctions, yet the causal relationships between metabolic factors and PCOS remain to be conclusively established and etiology-based therapies are lacking. To comprehensively identify the metabolic causal factors and potential drug targets for PCOS. This genetic association study was conducted using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR), multivariable MR (MVMR) and drug-target MR. Considering metabolic sexual dimorphism, female-specific genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for metabolic factors were obtained. To ensure the robustness of the findings, an additional independent PCOS GWAS dataset was utilized for replication. The PCOS cohort included 10,074 PCOS cases (mean age 28 to 45 years) and 103,164 controls (mean age 27 to 60 years) of European ancestry. All participants were female. Employing two-sample MR analysis, we found that genetically proxied body mass index (BMI) (OR = 3.40 [95 % CI, 2.65-4.36]), triglyceride (TG) (OR = 1.54 [95 % CI, 1.17-2.04]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (OR = 1.37 [95 % CI, 1.07-1.76]), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) (OR = 1.24 [95 % CI, 1.09-1.41]) were significantly associated with an increased risk of PCOS, whereas genetically predicted high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (OR = 0.61 [95 % CI, 0.47-0.80]) decreased the odds of PCOS. Stepwise MVMR established a hierarchy of interactions among these metabolic factors, identifying BMI and HDL-c as the most prominent causal factors. Notably, drug-target MR analysis identified incretin-based therapeutics, PCSK9 inhibitors, LPL gene therapy, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones as potential therapeutics for PCOS. All these findings were validated in an independent dataset. This study offered insights into the roles of obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in PCOS etiology and therapeutics, underscoring the necessity for managing metabolic health in women and paving the way for tailored therapeutic strategies for PCOS based on its metabolic underpinnings. Show less
Oocyte maturation-coupled mRNA post-transcriptional regulation is essential for the establishment of developmental potential. Previously, oocyte mRNA translation efficiencies focused on the trans-regu Show more
Oocyte maturation-coupled mRNA post-transcriptional regulation is essential for the establishment of developmental potential. Previously, oocyte mRNA translation efficiencies focused on the trans-regulation of key RNA-binding protein (RBPs), rarely related to RNA structure. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are four-stranded RNA secondary structures involved in many different aspects of RNA metabolism. In this study, we have developed a low-input technique for rG4 detection (G4-LACE-seq) in mouse oocytes and found that rG4s were widely distributed in maternal transcripts, with enrichment in untranslated regions, and they underwent transcriptome-wide removal during meiotic maturation. The rG4-selective small-molecule ligand BYBX stabilized rG4s in the oocyte transcriptome and impaired spindle assembly and meiotic cell cycle progression. The proteomic spectrum results revealed that rG4 accumulation weakened the binding of a large number of RBPs to mRNAs, especially those associated with translational initiation. Ribosomal immunoprecipitation and translational reporter assays further proved that rG4s in the untranslated regions negatively affected the translational efficiency of key maternal mRNAs. Overexpression DEAH/RHA family helicase-36 partially reverses BYBX-induced oocyte developmental defects, suggesting its importance in rG4 regulation. Collectively, this study describes the distribution, dynamic changes, and regulation of rG4s in the mouse maternal transcriptome. Before meiosis resumption, a large number of rG4s in oocytes are necessary to maintain the translatome at a low level, and DHX36-mediated rG4 removal promotes a translational switch and is required for successful maternal-to-zygotic transition. Show less
Altered levels of human plasma metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the causality between metabolites and the disease was not well described. We performe Show more
Altered levels of human plasma metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the causality between metabolites and the disease was not well described. We performed a bidirectional metabolome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the potential causal relationships between 871 plasma metabolites and BD. We used DrugBank and ChEMBL to evaluate whether related metabolites are potential therapeutic targets. Finally, Bayesian colocalization analysis was performed to identify shared genomic loci BD and identified metabolites. Our MR results showed that six metabolites were significantly associated with a reduced risk of BD, including arachidonate (20:4n6) (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.95) and sphingomyelin (d18:2/24:1, d18:1/24:2) (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.96), while five metabolites were significantly associated with an increased risk of BD, including 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-GPE (16:0/18:2) (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05-1.13). However, our reverse MR analysis showed that BD was not associated with the levels of any metabolite. Additionally, the leave-one-out analysis revealed SNPs within chromosome 11 loci harboring MYRF, FADS1, and FADS2 as ones with the potential to influence partial causal effects. Druggability evaluation showed that 10 of the BD-related metabolites, such as sphingomyelin and cytidine, have been targeted by pharmacologic intervention. Colocalization analysis highlighted one colocalized region (chromosome 11q12) shared by 11 metabolites and BD and pointed to some genes as possible players, including FADS1, FADS2, FADS3, and SYT7. Our study supported a causal role of plasma metabolites in the susceptibility to BD, and the identified metabolites may provide a new avenue for the prevention and treatment of BD. Show less
Alpha-enolase (ENO1), the enzyme catalyzing 2-phosphoglycerate conversion to phosphoenolpyruvate, is highly expressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and correlates with adverse clinical outc Show more
Alpha-enolase (ENO1), the enzyme catalyzing 2-phosphoglycerate conversion to phosphoenolpyruvate, is highly expressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and correlates with adverse clinical outcomes. Thus, understanding the relationship between ENO1-related gene (ERG) network and DLBCL is imperative. Here, we integrated multi-omics profiling (RIP-seq, RNA-seq, and protein interactome analysis) to identify ERGs and established a prognostic model by machine learning algorithms. We identified eleven hub genes (CHERP, SYNE2, INTS1, FAP, MMP9, LRP5, RBM8A, PRMT5, SLC25A6, PABPC4, PSTPIP2) using RNA sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, and protein interaction profiling. A prognostic model was constructed using univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression in the GSE10846 dataset and validated in two independent cohorts. DLBCL patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups based on the model, and clinical characteristics were compared. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) was analyzed using CIBERSORT and xCell algorithms to explore correlations with the ERG score. Drug sensitivity assays in DLBCL cell lines were performed to validate the model's predictive capacity for chemotherapy response. Furthermore, the functional role of PABPC4, a key gene in the scoring system, was investigated through A prognostic model including 11 hub genes was established. Patients in the high-risk group exhibited worse clinical outcomes and an immunosuppressive TIME, characterized by altered expression of immune checkpoint-related proteins. This group demonstrated increased sensitivity to vincristine, etoposide, and oxaliplatin. Knockdown of PABPC4 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, reduced colony formation, and delayed tumor growth The ERG scoring system offers a robust and precise tool for predicting survival and guiding personalized treatment in DLBCL patients. Show less
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., a plant rich in diverse bioactive constituents, has been widely used in East Asia in functional foods and medicine to ameliorate inflammatory disorders through its multi- Show more
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., a plant rich in diverse bioactive constituents, has been widely used in East Asia in functional foods and medicine to ameliorate inflammatory disorders through its multi-component activity. The effectiveness of these botanical extracts is thought to involve complex interactions among diverse constituents; however, the molecular basis of such interactions remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum (PME) through a combination of chemical profiling and computational analysis. PME was found to reduce the production of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and interleukin-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Using HS-SPME-GC-MS in conjunction with network pharmacology, we identified 32 volatile constituents, among which five core compounds were predicted to be associated with three inflammation-related targets: ESR1, FASN, and NR1H3. Dual-ligand molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the sequence of ligand binding may influence the stability and interaction patterns of protein-ligand complexes, offering insights into possible mechanisms of synergy and antagonism mediated by key residues such as ARG394 in ESR1. Overall, these findings contribute to a better understanding of how binding order and structural context may shape constituent-target interactions, providing a basis for the further development of multi-component natural product strategies against inflammation. This study underscores the relevance of incorporating multi-ligand dynamics into natural product research and presents an integrated experimental-computational framework to investigate the cooperative or competitive behaviors of functional food constituents, thereby supporting the rational design of optimized multi-target formulations. Show less
Patients with cancer undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy frequently experience cardiotoxic side effects that significantly affect their prognosis and survival rates. Our study found that Panax ginseng r Show more
Patients with cancer undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy frequently experience cardiotoxic side effects that significantly affect their prognosis and survival rates. Our study found that Panax ginseng root extract exerted a significant protective effect against cisplatin-induced myocardial cell injury. The present study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which the bioactive components of Panax ginseng mitigate cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC). In vitro, the candidate active components were screened by network pharmacological prediction and in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), and their mechanisms of action were verified by transcriptome sequencing, western blotting, gene overexpression, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and cellular thermal shift assays. A C57BL/6 CIC mouse model was established to verify the protective effects of the candidate components and the in vivo mechanism of the candidate components. Through network pharmacology prediction and cellular activity screening of ginseng root compounds, ginsenoside Rh2(S) (Rh2) was identified as a significant active component. Transcriptomic, in vitro, and in vivo experiments demonstrated that Rh2 can activate the Pak1/Limk1/cofilin phosphorylation pathway, thereby inactivating the actin-severing protein cofilin and protecting cardiomyocytes from cisplatin-induced actin depolymerization. Additionally, Rh2 suppressed the ROS/caspase-3/GSDME pathway to inhibit cisplatin-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation and overexpression experiments confirmed that Rh2 activated the FGFR1/HRAS axis, thereby simultaneously regulating the two aforementioned pathways to combat CIC. This study demonstrated for the first time that Rh2 is the main active component in Panax ginseng that maintains cytoskeletal homeostasis and inhibits pyroptosis by regulating the FGFR1/HRAS pathway to resist CIC. This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for expanding the targets and pathways of CIC treatment, and for the development of related drugs. Show less
In the microenvironment of atherosclerosis (AS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) accumulates in injured endothelial areas and undergoes oxidation, thereby generating oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). The formation Show more
In the microenvironment of atherosclerosis (AS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) accumulates in injured endothelial areas and undergoes oxidation, thereby generating oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). The formation of ox-LDL, in turn, not only amplifies endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction but also triggers macrophage polarization into the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype. This cascade results in increased inflammatory cytokine secretion and exacerbated lipid accumulation. Therefore, a dual-targeting strategy aimed at both ECs and macrophages to inhibit the vicious circle between inflammation and lipids is a promising avenue for AS treatment. Simvastatin (SIM)-loaded nanomicelles (PLA-PEG/SIM) were prepared using the thin-film hydration method. Then, platelet membrane (PM) was coated the nanomicelles via sonication to obtain PM@PLA-PEG/SIM dual-targeting biomimetic nanoparticles. The morphological features of the nanoparticles were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay and live/dead cell staining. Their targeting ability toward ECs and macrophages was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The biosafety, targeting ability, and therapeutic efficacy of PM@PLA-PEG/SIM against AS were further validated in ApoE PM@PLA-PEG/SIM effectively reduced the drug toxicity of SIM, exhibiting good biocompatibility. In vitro, cell experiment results showed that the nanoparticles inhibited foam cell formation, decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression, and increased interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression by promoting macrophage repolarization. In vivo, results indicated that the formulation demonstrated excellent plaque-targeting ability. More importantly, the plaque area and lipid levels in the PM@PLA-PEG/SIM group were lowest, and plaques were most stable, showing its best therapeutic efficiency. PM@PLA-PEG/SIM alleviated progression of AS by co-targeting ECs and macrophages to inhibit the vicious cycle between inflammation and lipids. Our study provides a new strategy for the treatment of the disease by the co-targeting biomimetic nanoparticle. Show less
Little is known about the association between physical activity and the risk of pre-sarcopenic obesity (pre-SO) among adolescents. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between physical a Show more
Little is known about the association between physical activity and the risk of pre-sarcopenic obesity (pre-SO) among adolescents. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and pre-SO in a sample of 2143 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years from Yinchuan, China. The pre-SO was defined by three criteria: low skeletal muscle mass adjusted by weight (SMM/W) combined with body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage (FMP), and waist circumference (WC). After adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, sleep time, and high-fat food consumption, participants with high physical activity (HPA) had a lower risk of pre-SO compared to those with low physical activity (LPA) according to the obesity criteria of FMP (OR 0.63, 95% CI, 0.48-0.83, P < 0.05), and WC (OR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.52-0.96, P < 0.05). Additionally, restricted cubic spline models showed a linear dose-response association between total physical activity (TPA) and pre-SO no matter what obesity criteria were adopted (all P overall trend < 0.05, all P non-linear > 0.50). Subgroup analyses revealed that individuals with higher TPA levels exhibited a decreased risk of pre-SO in boys according to the obesity criteria of FMP, and WC. In conclusion, HPA is associated with a reduced risk of pre-SO in adolescents, especially among boys. Show less
8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS) is a rare aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis that can rapidly develop into acute leukemia. It is characterized by the translocation of fibro Show more
8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS) is a rare aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis that can rapidly develop into acute leukemia. It is characterized by the translocation of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1), and there is still a lack of effective and reliable treatment methods at present. This report provides a new therapeutic strategy for EMS patients diagnosed with BCR-FGFR1 fusion. This report describes a case of EMS patient with a positive BCR-FGFR1 fusion gene, whose manifestations are similar to those of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). After diagnosis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), olverembatinib, the third-generation tyrosinase inhibitor (TKI) developed in China, was used for treatment. After monotherapy and follow-up for more than one year, partial molecular response (PR) was achieved. During this period, hematologic remission and cytogenetic remission were achieved. The treatment safety of the entire process was excellent. In summary, olverembatinib provides more treatment options for rare diseases such as 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome. Show less
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) complexes with methylosome protein 50 (MEP50) play crucial roles in tumor progress. However, the regulatory mechanism of governing the PRMT5-MEP50 hetero-o Show more
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) complexes with methylosome protein 50 (MEP50) play crucial roles in tumor progress. However, the regulatory mechanism of governing the PRMT5-MEP50 hetero-octameric complex remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that C6orf223, to our knowledge an uncharacterized protein, facilitates PRMT5-MEP50 multiprotein complex assembling, thereby promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and metastasis. C6orf223 forms dimers through disulfide bonds, with its N-terminal arginine-enriched region binding to the C-terminal negatively charged groove of PRMT5, thus stabilizing PRMT5-MEP50 multiprotein and enhancing PRMT5 methyltransferase activity. Consequently, PRMT5-mediated H4R3me2s substantially decreases the expression of the tumor suppressor GATA5, leading to the upregulation of multiple oncogenic target genes including WWTR1, FGFR1, and CLU. Targeting C6orf223 using siRNAs encapsulated in ferritin protein shells effectively suppresses CRC tumor growth and metastasis. Collectively, our findings characterize the role of C6orf223 in facilitating PRMT5-MEP50 hetero-octameric complex assembling and suggest that C6orf223 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC. Show less
Acupuncture has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention for stroke recovery, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we used a mouse model of hemorrhagic s Show more
Acupuncture has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention for stroke recovery, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we used a mouse model of hemorrhagic stroke induced by autologous blood injection to investigate the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke recovery at the cellular and molecular levels, utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing. Our findings revealed that acupuncture modulates the gene expression of microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, three major glial cell types, which may contribute to the improvement of stroke-induced phenotypes. Notably, we identified a potential role of the APOE-TREM2 signaling axis, with ligand-binding interactions enhancing microglia activation and promoting their neuroprotective functions. These findings also suggested that acupuncture may promote microglia-astrocyte interactions, leading to enhanced neuroinflammation resolution and tissue repair. Our study provided new insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying acupuncture's therapeutic effects in stroke recovery and highlighted the potential of targeting glial cell-mediated pathways, including APOE-TREM2, as a strategy for improving post-stroke rehabilitation. Show less
β-Secretase (BACE1), a key enzyme to producing neurotoxic β-amyloid, is a potential biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Developing a sensitive and efficient detection method for BACE1 activity is s Show more
β-Secretase (BACE1), a key enzyme to producing neurotoxic β-amyloid, is a potential biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Developing a sensitive and efficient detection method for BACE1 activity is significant for AD progression evaluation. Due to the poor cleavage efficiency and acidic working conditions of BACE1, developing probes with high stability and strong signals is challenging for its detection. This work proposed a dual-mode BACE1 detection method based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering and dark-field microscopy. 4-Mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA), as the internal Raman reporter of Au@Ag nanoparticles (NPs), shows stable and enhanced Raman signals in an acidic environment. The plasmonic Au Show less
To investigate the key regulatory genes and pathways related to growth traits in the Dongtingking crucian carp (Carassius auratus indigentiaus), the transcriptomes of brain, intestine, and muscle tiss Show more
To investigate the key regulatory genes and pathways related to growth traits in the Dongtingking crucian carp (Carassius auratus indigentiaus), the transcriptomes of brain, intestine, and muscle tissues were sequenced at early juvenile stage using RNA-Seq from two groups with extreme growth rates (fast-growing and slow-growing). A total of 65, 184, and 130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the brain, intestine, and muscle, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis highlighted that the PPAR signaling pathway, Insulin/PI3K/Akt/mTOR/FoxO/AMPK pathway, and Protein digestion and absorption pathways are crucial for growth in this species. Based on the transcriptome data, 32 key DEGs were identified, mainly participating in processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation, growth, development, and metabolism. Prominent examples are cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 5 (creb5b), forkhead box protein O1-A (foxo1a), transcription factor AP-1-like (jun), lipoprotein lipase-like (lpl), angiopoietin-like 4 (angptl4), and egl nine homolog 3-like (egln3). This study enhances the understanding of the genetic factors and regulatory mechanisms responsible for variations in growth rates and provides a valuable basis for further studies on the regulatory mechanisms of growth in C. auratus indigentiaus. Show less
By integrating single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data for esophageal cancer (ESCA), we developed and validated a seven-macrophage-gene prognostic signature (FCN1, SCARB2, ATF5, PHLDA2, GLIPR1, CHORD Show more
By integrating single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data for esophageal cancer (ESCA), we developed and validated a seven-macrophage-gene prognostic signature (FCN1, SCARB2, ATF5, PHLDA2, GLIPR1, CHORDC1, and BCKDK). This signature effectively stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different overall survival, achieving area under the curve (AUC) values greater than 0.7 for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival prediction. A high-risk status correlated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, characterized by lower infiltration of B cells and CD8 + T cells, and was associated with reduced sensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic agents, including Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil. Conversely, a low-risk status was linked to greater immune cell infiltration and higher predicted chemosensitivity. At the single-cell level, pseudotime analysis revealed that macrophage maturation significantly correlated with a decreasing risk score, suggesting that mature macrophages may contribute to a favorable prognosis. Furthermore, cell communication analysis identified high-risk macrophages as dominant drivers of a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment via signaling pathways, such as SPP1 and complement. In conclusion, this seven-gene signature is a robust prognostic biomarker that offers a new strategy for personalized risk assessment and treatment selection in ESCA. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04452-w. Show less
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective po Show more
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of orlistat (ORL), a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, in a murine TBI model. Behavioral, histological, and molecular analyses demonstrated that ORL significantly attenuated TBI-induced neurological damage. Microglial depletion experiments revealed that ORL's neuroprotective effects were largely mediated through microglial modulation. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that ORL suppressed microglial activation, phagocytosis, and migration. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified upregulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in a TBI-induced microglial subpopulation. Molecular docking predicted ORL-LPL binding, suggesting direct enzymatic inhibition. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further revealed ORL's modulation of microglial metabolic pathways and inflammatory responses. Our findings position ORL as a promising repurposed therapeutic for TBI through its novel mechanism of targeting microglial LPL-mediated neuroinflammation. Show less
High-abundance serum proteins, mostly modified by N-glycans, are usually depleted from human sera to achieve in-depth analyses of serum proteome and sub-proteomes. In this study, we show that these hi Show more
High-abundance serum proteins, mostly modified by N-glycans, are usually depleted from human sera to achieve in-depth analyses of serum proteome and sub-proteomes. In this study, we show that these high-abundance glycoproteins (HAGPs) can be used as valuable standard glycopeptide resources, as long as the structural features of their glycans have been well defined at the glycosite-specific level. By directly analyzing intact glycopeptides enriched from serum, we identified 1322 unique glycopeptides at 48 N-glycosites from the top 12 HAGPs (19 subclasses). These HAGPs could be further classified into four major groups based on the structural features of their attached N-glycans. Immunoglobins including IGHG1/2/3/4, IGHA1/2 and IGHM were mostly modified by core fucosylated and bisected N-glycans with rarely sialic acids. Alpha-1-acid glycoproteins (ORM1/2) and haptoglobins (HP) were mainly modified by tri-and tetra-antennary (40 %) N-glycans with antenna-fucoses and sialic acids. Complement components C3 and C4A/B were highly modified by oligo-mannose glycans. The other HAGPs including SERPINA1, A2M, TF, FGB/G and APOB mainly contain bi-antennary complex glycans with the common core structure and (sialyl-) LacNAc branch structures. These HAGPs are easily detected by LC-MS analysis and therefore could be used as standard glycopeptides for glycoproteomic methodology studies as well as possible clinical utilities. Show less
Xiaolei Song, Chenchen Wang, Qin Ding+8 more · 2025 · Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The vicious circle between amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) overgeneration and microglial dysfunction is an important path Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The vicious circle between amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) overgeneration and microglial dysfunction is an important pathological event that promotes AD progression. However, therapeutic strategies toward only Aβ or microglial modulation still have many problems. Herein, inspired by the Aβ transportation, an Aβ-derived peptide (CKLVFFAED) engineered biomimetic nanodelivery system (MK@PC-R NPs) is reported for realizing BBB penetration and reprogram neuron and microglia in AD lesion sites. This hollow mesoporous Prussian blue-based MK@PC-R NPs carrying curcumin and miRNA-124 can down-regulate β secretase expression, thereby inhibiting Aβ production and reducing Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, MK@PC-R NPs with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties could normalize the microglial phenotype and promote Aβ degradation, providing neuroprotection. As expected, after treatment with MK@PC-R NPs, the Aβ burdens, neuron damages, neuroinflammation, and memory deficits of transgenic AD mice (APP/PS1 mice) are significantly attenuated. Overall, this biomimetic nanodelivery system with anti-Aβ and anti-inflammatory properties provides a promising strategy for the multi-target therapy of early AD. Show less
This study aims to investigate the roles of the EXT1 and FGFR3 genes in the development of osteochondromas, focusing specifically on their potential interactions in chondrocyte proliferation, differen Show more
This study aims to investigate the roles of the EXT1 and FGFR3 genes in the development of osteochondromas, focusing specifically on their potential interactions in chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and tumor formation. In vitro, the ATDC5 chondroprogenitor cell line was used to examine the effects of inactivation of both EXT1 and FGFR3. In vivo, a mouse model with dual gene knockout of Ext1 and Fgfr3 was constructed to further explore these genes' roles in tumor formation by observing the incidence and distribution patterns of osteochondromas. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that ATDC5 cells with reduced expression of EXT1 and FGFR3 genes exhibited enhanced chondrogenic differentiation. In vivo, Fgfr3 The EXT1 and FGFR3 genes play crucial regulatory roles in the development of osteochondromas. Deficiencies in Ext1 and Fgfr3 can induce the formation of osteochondromas. Show less
Twenty types of GABAergic interneurons form intricate networks to fine-tune neural circuits in the brain. Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) and somatostatin-positive (SST+) interneurons, which are the two la Show more
Twenty types of GABAergic interneurons form intricate networks to fine-tune neural circuits in the brain. Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) and somatostatin-positive (SST+) interneurons, which are the two largest populations of neocortical interneurons, innervate the soma and/or proximal dendrites, and distal dendrites of pyramidal neurons, respectively. Using PV- and SST-specific knockout mouse models, we show that PV+ interneurons require FGFR2, which responds to FGF7, to drive PV+ inhibitory presynaptic maturation on perisomatic regions of Layer V pyramidal neurons. In contrast, SST+ interneurons rely on both FGFR1 and FGFR2, which respond to FGF10 or FGF22, to promote SST+ inhibitory presynaptic maturation on distal dendrites of pyramidal neurons in cortical Layer I. Mechanistically, FGF-FGFR signaling sustains VGAT protein levels in interneurons through PP2A and Akt pathways. Together, these findings demonstrate that distinct FGF ligand-receptor combinations regulate inhibitory presynaptic differentiation by PV+ and SST+ interneurons, contributing to the formation of compartment-specific synaptic patterns. Show less
To identify latent profiles of demoralization among older adults with disabilities, analyze their influencing factors, and examine their associations with active aging. From February to July 2025, a c Show more
To identify latent profiles of demoralization among older adults with disabilities, analyze their influencing factors, and examine their associations with active aging. From February to July 2025, a convenience sample of 411 older adults with disabilities was recruited from a tertiary hospital in Anhui Province, China. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Demoralization Scale, and the Active Aging Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed based on demoralization subscale scores. Univariate and multinominal analyses were employed to investigate the influencing factors, and the Kruskal-Wallis The prevalence of demoralization syndrome was 49.1%. LPA identified three distinct profiles: the Well-Adapted Group (53.3%), the Disheartened-Helpless Group (23.8%), and the Fully Demoralized Group (22.9%). The Kruskal-Wallis Nearly half of the older adults with disabilities experienced demoralization, with heterogeneous subgroups identified. The active aging status of demoralized subgroups requires urgent attention. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions tailored to the characteristics of each profile to improve mental health and promote active aging in this population. Show less
Prior research has consistently demonstrated that higher levels of digital health literacy contribute positively to improved mental health outcomes and overall quality of life among patients. Neverthe Show more
Prior research has consistently demonstrated that higher levels of digital health literacy contribute positively to improved mental health outcomes and overall quality of life among patients. Nevertheless, the interplay between digital health literacy and the experience of perceived stigma-particularly among burn patients-remains underexplored, and the potential heterogeneity within this relationship has not been adequately addressed. This cross-sectional study, conducted from June to July 2025, recruited 534 burn patients (mean age 31.05 ± 9.52 years; 61.0% male) from three tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China. Participants completed validated scales assessing digital health literacy, social support, appearance anxiety, perceived stigma, and demographics. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, latent profile analysis (LPA) with fit indices, univariate analyses (chi-square tests and Digital health literacy was negatively correlated with perceived stigma ( This study confirms heterogeneity in digital health literacy and perceived stigma among burn patients, with social support and appearance anxiety as key influencers. Findings support targeted interventions to enhance digital health literacy and reduce perceived stigma, advancing precision psychological care for burn survivors. Show less
Sijie Gu, Haoran Feng, Xiaomei Li+10 more · 2025 · Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the A Show more
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the AKI-to-CKD transition and its underlying mechanisms. Renal biopsies from patients with AKI showed marked upregulation of WNT5A and its receptor, CD146, in proximal tubules, with higher expression in patients with CKD progression. In murine AKI models, Wnt5a knockdown attenuated CKD progression. Conversely, proximal tubular overexpression of Wnt5a exacerbated renal fibrosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) mice, which was alleviated by Box5, a specific WNT5A antagonist. In vitro, WNT5A overexpression in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-stimulated HK-2 cells promoted CD146 upregulation, activated JNK phosphorylation, and enhanced SNAI1 expression. The genetic silencing of WNT5A/CD146 and JNK inhibition suppresses SNAI1 expression and attenuates fibrotic responses. Mechanistically, JNK-mediated c-JUN phosphorylation promoted its interaction with KLF5 at the SNAI1 promoter, driving renal fibrosis. Elevated serum levels of soluble CD146 correlated with renal function in patients with AKI and were higher in patients exhibiting CKD progression. Inhibition of WNT5A could serve as a therapeutic target for delaying renal fibrosis in AKI progression. Show less
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular event Show more
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and hospital readmission risk within one year following PCI treatment. Additionally, it seeks to assess the clinical value of Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoB/ApoA-I) in predicting the risk of one-year MACEs and readmission post-PCI. A retrospective study included 1938 patients who underwent PCI treatment from January 2010 to December 2018 at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University. Patient demographics, medications, and biochemical indicators were recorded upon admission, with one-year follow-up post-operation. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized to establish the relationship between ApoB/ApoA-I levels and MACEs/readmission. Predictive nomograms were constructed to forecast MACEs and readmission, with the accuracy of the nomograms assessed using the concordance index. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the occurrence of MACEs and readmission. We observed a correlation between ApoB/ApoA-I and other lipid indices, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that ApoB/ApoA-I is an independent risk factor for MACEs in post-PCI patients (P = 0.038). Within one year, the incidence of MACEs significantly increased in the high-level ApoB/ApoA-I group (ApoB/ApoA-I ratio ≥ 0.824) (P = 0.038), while the increase in readmission incidence within one year was not statistically significant. Furthermore, a nomogram predicting one-year MACEs was established (Concordance Index: 0.668). Subgroup analysis revealed that ApoB/ApoA-I was associated with the occurrence of both MACEs and readmission in male patients, those using CCB/ARB/ACEI, those without multivessel diseases, or those with LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L. The ApoB/ApoA-I ratio serves as an independent risk factor for one-year MACEs in post-PCI patients and correlates closely with other blood lipid indicators. ApoB/ApoA-I demonstrates significant predictive value for the occurrence of MACEs within one year.Trial registration Chinese clinical trial registry: No.ChiCTR22000597-23. Show less
Postnatal cardiac function in mammals is closely associated with cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy h Show more
Postnatal cardiac function in mammals is closely associated with cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, phenotypic measurements and transcriptomic sequencing were performed on myocardial tissues from 7-day-old (P7) and 3-month-old (3m) female C57BL/6 mice to investigate changes in cardiomyocytes during growth and development and to identify key genes regulating myocardial growth and development. In comparison to 7-day-old mice, 3-month-old mice exhibited a significant increase in heart weight ( Show less
This study aims to explore how CPS1 influences the progression of lung adenocarcinoma by affecting the ammonia-induced ROS/AMPK/P53/LKB1 signaling pathway. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to ide Show more
This study aims to explore how CPS1 influences the progression of lung adenocarcinoma by affecting the ammonia-induced ROS/AMPK/P53/LKB1 signaling pathway. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify differential gene expression in lung adenocarcinoma patients. A549 cells were infected with control (NC) or CPS1 knockdown (CPS1-KD) lentivirus. Cells were treated with or without AMPK agonists, AMPK inhibitors, P53 agonists, or P53 inhibitors, followed by Western blot analysis of CPS1, NOX2, NOX4, p-AMPK, p-P53, and LKB1 protein levels. The content of MDA and SOD was measured, and the expression of AMPK, caspase-3 and P53 in tumor cells was detected through immunofluorescence. Apoptosis-related protein expression and tumor cell apoptosis were assessed using Western blot and flow cytometry. Tumor cell proliferation was evaluated using CCK-8 assays and colony formation experiments. Tumor size was measured in xenograft models using nude mice. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that LKB1 positively regulates AMPK activity. CPS1 knockdown results in increased ammonia levels, with upregulated expression of NOX2, NOX4, p-AMPK, p-P53, and LKB1 in tumor cells. Elevated P53 levels, along with significant increases in Bax, Caspase-8,and Caspase-12 expression, were observed, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation. AMPK and P53 act to inhibit lung adenocarcinoma progression. CPS1 promotes the progression of lung adenocarcinoma by suppressing ammonia-induced activation of the ROS/AMPK/P53/LKB1 signaling pathway. Show less
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease with no effective pharmacological treatments. The causal role of triglycerides (TGs) in AAA development remains unclear and contr Show more
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease with no effective pharmacological treatments. The causal role of triglycerides (TGs) in AAA development remains unclear and controversial. Mendelian randomization was applied to assess causal relationships between lipoproteins, circulating proteins, metabolites, and the risk of AAA. To test the hypothesis that elevated plasma TG levels accelerate AAA development, we used Mendelian randomization analyses integrating genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic data identified causal relationships between elevated TG-rich lipoproteins, TG metabolism-related proteins/metabolites, and AAA risk. In the angiotensin II infusion AAA model, most These findings identify hypertriglyceridemia as a key contributor to AAA pathogenesis and suggest that targeting TG-rich lipoproteins may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AAA. Show less
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are resident stem cells within hair follicles (HFs) that possess self-renewal and differentiation capacities, serving as a critical model for regenerative medicine res Show more
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are resident stem cells within hair follicles (HFs) that possess self-renewal and differentiation capacities, serving as a critical model for regenerative medicine research. Their dynamic interaction with dermal papilla cells (DPCs) plays a decisive role in HF development and cycling. Show less